SEDIMENTOLOGICAL AND PALYNOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FOR PALEOENVIRONMENTAL EVOLUTION OF PALEOCENE-EOCENE DEPOSITS IN THE VF WELL, NIGER DELTA BASIN, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research combines sedimentological and palynological datasets from VF well in the Niger Delta Basin, 
Nigeria, to delineate its vegetation dynamics and infer ancient environmental setting. Fifteen (15) ditch
cutting samples underwent detailed lithologic analysis to determine their lithology, color, and textural 
characteristics (grain size, sorting, and grain morphology), as well as the occurrence of accessory 
minerals. Palynological analysis was carried out using standard maceration techniques to isolate acid
insoluble, organic-walled microfossils from sediment samples. Sedimentologic result shows that the 
succession is dominated by shale with subordinate clay-rich shale. The sediments are non-calcareous and 
devoid of accessory mineral constituents. Seven lithozones were delineated, reflecting deposition under 
predominantly low-energy conditions. Palynological result shows abundance of spore over pollen, though 
the pollen has higher diversity with low abundance of dinoflagellate cyst. The accessory microfossils 
include abundant botryococcus braunii, diatom frustules, rare fungal spores, and charred plant debris. key 
diagnostic taxa including Longapertites sp., Proxapertites cursus, Verrucatosporites usmensis, 
Palaeocystodinium australinum, Echitriporites triguliformis, Psilamonocolpites marginatus, and 
Operculodinium centrocarpum, were utilized to established the age of the succession as Danian-Ypresian 
(Early Paleocene-Early Eocene). The synthesized analysis of both sedimentological and palynological 
findings suggest deposition in a low-energy, freshwater-dominated lacustrine to swamp setting with minor 
intermittent brackish influence and strong terrestrial input. The finding is consistent with previous 
palynological records from many Paleocene-Eocene successions which indicate shifts in vegetation 
patterns, including the increase of thermophilic and moisture-loving plant taxa associated with possible 
PETM event during the Paleocene-Eocene Epoch. This study provides additional evidence of integrating 
sedimentological and palynological data records in optimizing resolution of re-evaluating 
paleoenvironmental conditions in basin assessment.